Autism Conversations

On this episode of Autism Conversations, our facilitator leads an incredible discussion with three fathers who share their perspectives and share advice regarding their child’s journey. In this podcast, the fathers discuss the diagnosis of autism and how they have navigated service systems. They share heartfelt discussions on how they received valuable support along the way from their loved ones. The support was necessary to get them through the challenging times, as well as sharing in the celebration of triumphs. The information the fathers share on how to be a successful advocate for your autistic child is beneficial in supporting those making the same journey. We believe you will enjoy this podcast that is full of hope and encouragement. Please take a listen and join us in this beautiful conversation of a father’s perspective of their family’s autism journey.

We proudly present our latest podcast, which addresses transitioning into adulthood. We all go through transitions in life. Let’s listen to the personal journeys of four autistic self-advocates who share things they wish they knew, as they themselves transitioned to adulthood. While uniquely their own, together, their stories will offer insights and opportunities for learning, and we hope that this conversation will support you on your own journey.

March 17, 2023 - The value of a shared story is immeasurable. In this episode of Autism Conversations, we hear from four autistic self-advocates who graciously share their personal stories and advocacy insights. Please join us for this opportunity to listen and learn from these honest voices and powerful stories.

We are proud to present this podcast, which addresses transitioning into adulthood. We all go through transitions in life. For young adults on the spectrum, some just happen to require a bit more work and persistence. Please join us as we share some inspiring stories from the caregiver’s point of view and how their resilience proved to be successful in their child’s journey of navigating life into adulthood.

This podcast focuses on the importance in maintaining a healthy balance of social activity outside the virtual world of technology for individuals with autism. Please join our Facilitator, Debra Montana, and her guests as they share a powerful conversation that includes creative ideas and strategies to help our loved ones with autism. Debra’s special guests include Dr. Mary Rice, Professor of Literacy in the Department of Language, Literacy and Culture at the University of New Mexico. Megan Garrigan, BCBA with Prism Autism Services, Family Leader, Advocate and a graduate of Partners in Policymaking. Diana Stone, Family Leader, Advocate, Founding Member and Events Chairperson at Elevate the Spectrum and a graduate of Partners in Policymaking and Rolanda Maez, Board Certified Behavior Analyst with Prism Autism Services, Family Leader, Advocate and graduate of Partners in Policymaking. This discussion focuses on the importance of recognizing how the heavy use of electronics affects families living with autism, and ways to incorporate strategies in maintaining a healthy balance of socializing outside the use of technology. Listen to how you can successfully support your loved ones and create ways to socialize together outside of the virtual world of technology.

This podcast addresses the importance of consistent exercise and activity for a healthy lifestyle for individuals with autism. Please join our Facilitator, Jayme Swalby, as she has an informative discussion with UNM Health Education Consultant, Lauren Lewis, Education Consultant, Felicia Nevarez and Autism Programs administrative staff member and self-advocate, Marit Rawley. This discussion focuses on ways to incorporate wellness and fitness to maintain a healthy weight, reduce stress and/or anxiety while increasing social connections for those living with autism. Listen to how you can set yourself up for success. Be consistent, start small and make a joyful movement that will make you feel good!

This podcast focuses on how to plan and have items you may need in the event of an emergency while being respectful of special considerations for our family members with autism. Please join our Facilitator, Jayme Swalby, as she has a conversation with Lisa McNiven with the New Mexico Governor’s Commission on Disability, Roselyn Cintron and Barbara Ibanez, Health Educators with the Autism Programs. This discussion focuses on addressing necessary advanced planning for families living with an individual diagnosed with autism. Preparation is key in the event of a disaster. Learn how to have a conversation with your family that includes what is important for each individual member to take; listen and respect each other’s perspective. Take note and make a list of what is needed for your GO BAG. Be prepared and be safe.

This podcast addresses issues that our siblings of children with autism have to face during a pandemic. Please join our Facilitator, Debra Montana and her podcast partner, Jayme Swalby, as they share a conversation with Psychologist, BCBA and lecturer at the UNM College of Education, Dr. Megan Martins; family leader, advocate and Coordinator of Recreational Services of the Autism Programs, Mariah Montoya; and a previous graduate of Partners in Policymaking, a UNM Occupational Therapy Graduate Student, family leader, and advocate, Marissa Swalby. This discussion focuses on addressing several issues that siblings face when attempting to balance self-care and support for their siblings with autism spectrum disorder. We understand and agree that during a pandemic, everything feels much more difficult to balance. Listen to how this amazing group of professionals discuss not only how to address those issues, but they compassionately remind us of ways to practice self-care and to be more patient with ourselves.

This podcast addresses various complex factors that trigger feelings of guilt in parents with autism. Please join our Facilitator, Lauriann King, and her guests: Social Worker, Tory Everhart; Dr. Julia Oppenheimer, Director of ECEP and family leader, advocate and Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Amy Hall Rodriguez. This conversation focuses on addressing several issues that cause parents to have feelings of guilt. We can all agree that during a pandemic, everything feels much more challenging. Listen to how this group of professionals discuss not only how to address those issues, but they compassionately remind us all that we are all doing the best we can.

This podcast addresses inquiries from various communities in New Mexico. Facilitator, Debbie Montana, and her guests Senior Program Therapist, Jayme Swalby; Education Consultant, Kayla Tuton; Technical Analyst II, Michael Riblett and family leader and advocate from Elevate the Spectrum, Kristina Martinez, respond to feedback received by the community regarding creative ways to stay connected through technology during this climate. As the coronavirus forces us to stay at home, this lack of in-person human contact can cause concerns around mental health due to stress and isolation. Staying connected can be challenging for families living with autism. That factor coupled with social distancing, connection can be more problematic. However, there are many creative and fun ways to stay connected. Reach out and connect with someone today!